Emphasizing that unity, cooperation, and a common vision are key to building a stronger and more resilient regional community, Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday, Aug. 8, urged Southeast Asians to bring the Filipino spirit of “bayanihan” to the global stage and challenged ASEAN's youth to help shape the region's shared future as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrated its 59th anniversary.

In her ASEAN Day message released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Duterte emphasized the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation, describing ASEAN as a diverse community bound by shared aspirations.

"Home to nearly 700 million people, our region is a vibrant tapestry of different cultures, languages, and dreams," Duterte said.

She stressed that ASEAN's common objective is to create "a future where every young person can thrive, no matter where they come from."

Drawing from her experience as former president of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Council, Duterte underscored the value of collaboration among Southeast Asian nations.

She likened regional cooperation to the Filipino tradition of “bayanihan,” where an entire community works together to move a neighbor's house to safety.

"This is exactly how we must build our shared future. No country carries the weight alone. We lift each other up," she said.

As ASEAN celebrates 59 years of regional partnership, Duterte urged member states to bring the same spirit of “bayanihan” to the global stage through stronger cooperation and mutual support.

She also challenged the region's young people to take an active role in shaping ASEAN's future.

"I challenge our ASEAN youth to conquer challenges in shaping our shared future, united by our shared vision, and driven by our shared purpose," Duterte said.